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David Songulashvili and Nino Latsabidze Sign the Memorandum of Cooperation to Improve the Air Quality in Rustavi.
The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia and the Rustavi City Hall have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation aiming to improve the air quality in Rustavi. The document was signed by the Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mr David Songulashvili, and the Mayor of Rustavi, Mrs Nino Latsabidze.
According to the Minister, improving air quality is one of the Ministry’s key priorities, while the environmental challenges facing the city of Rustavi require particular attention.
“The Ministry is actively implementing relevant measures and is fully engaged in all processes aiming to improve the air quality in Rustavi. Moreover, we are working closely with the City Hall to ensure that planned activities are coordinated and implemented effectively. Accordingly, each step must deliver tangible results and lead to meaningful improvements. Ultimately, the Ministry will continue active support through monitoring efforts and practical measures,” stated Mr David Songulashvili.
According to the Mayor of Rustavi, the Memorandum lays a solid foundation for enhancing air quality through more efficient and coordinated actions.
"By decision of the Government of Georgia, we will launch large-scale projects in Rustavi this year. At the same time, environmental protection remains one of our top priorities. We have planned to rehabilitate Rustavi Central Park and build a new park next to the riparian forest area. The new Action Plan, signed today with the Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, focuses on Rustavi’s biggest challenge to improve environmental conditions," said Mrs Nino Latsabidze.
The Memorandum aims to facilitate implementation of the 2026 Action Plan, with a budget of GEL 4.3 million and 19 activities. The document aims to reduce air pollution and improve the overall environmental condition in the city.
Particular emphasis will be placed on reducing particulate matter emissions from the industrial sector. The Ministry plans to prohibit the open-air storage of dust-generating materials at industrial sites, introduce stricter air protection requirements, and strengthen oversight of industrial facilities in Rustavi and Gardabani. Moreover, fuel quality control measures will be intensified in Rustavi and Gardabani to reduce transport-related pollution.
At the same time, Rustavi City Hall will continue developing alternative mobility infrastructure to encourage more sustainable transportation options.
The Action Plan also includes the expansion of recreational and green spaces. As part of the restoration of the Rustavi floodplain forest, 10,000 saplings will be planted, new parks and public green areas will be developed, and a project for creating a green buffer zone will be prepared.
In addition, the automatic air quality monitoring network will be expanded by installing an additional monitoring station in Rustavi, including implementing a range of environmental awareness-raising activities.
It is worth noting that the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture has already begun work on the next phase of the Central Zone Air Quality Management Action Plan 2027–2029, which will also cover the city of Rustavi.